Opening ceremony of Armenian Honorary Consulate held at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

2020 March 5

On February 25, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania hosted a concert by the “Khachaturian Trio” dedicated to the opening of the Armenia’s Honorary Consulate in Vilnius, the consular district of which will include the regions of Vilnius and Kaunas.

The event, organized and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, was attended by Chancellor of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Laimonas Talat-Klepša, Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited in Lithuania, high-ranking officials of the Lithuanian legislative and executive bodies, members of Seimas, public, political and cultural figures, intellectuals, journalists and members of the Armenian community.

In his opening remarks, Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania Tigran Mkrtchyan congratulated Dr. Karapet Babayan on his appointment as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia and noted that Armenian-Lithuanian relations based on strong historical ties and common values have recently grown.

Introducing Karapet Babayan, his past and present activities, Tigran Mkrtchyan noted that of the Honorary Consul Mr. Babayan with his activity will be developing bilateral economic and business relations, tourism and trade, as well as increasing interaction of the business communities in Armenia and Lithuania and supporting cultural and educational exchanges.

Concluding his speech, Ambassador Mkrtchyan presented the internationally acclaimed “Khachaturian Trio” as well as the pieces to be performed during the evening and thanked all the partners for their support in organizing the event.

Lithuania’s Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša in his welcoming speech congratulated Karapet Babayan on his new appointment and wished him success in all his endeavors. Mr. Talat-Kelpša welcomed the fact of the establishment of direct air communication between Armenia and Lithuania and noted that it would definitely have a positive impact on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas. He also referred to the progressive development of warm relations between Lithuania and Armenia.

The newly appointed Honorary Consul of Armenia Karapet Babayan also gave a speech, expressing his gratitude to Ambassador Mkrtchyan for trusting this responsible mission. Mr. Babayan noted that in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia they will spare no efforts making Lithuania and Armenia closer and more accessible to each other and added, that he will try to be another bridge between our two friendly nations.

During the event, pianist Armine Grigoryan, violinist Karen Shahgaldyan and cellist Karen Kocharyan performed pieces by Alexander Spendiaryan, Arno Babajanyan, Aram Khachatryan, Arvo Pärt, Georgs Pelecis, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, and other great composers which were followed by loud applause from the crowded hall.

The cultural part of the evening was followed by a reception in honor of the opening of the Armenia’s Honorary Consulate in Vilnius, where Armenian brandy was presented at the special pavilion and Armenian wines and dishes were served.